Thursday 31 October 2013

Keep Calm and Bat on - with MILO in2Cricket

The Milo kid at 2yr . We were away in caravan so the Milo was down low - I sprung him - on Daddy's watch while I was away at the Ladies !

A few weeks ago my boys were invited to check out the MILO in2CRICKET program , a Cricket Australia initiative that delivers an introductory cricket program for children aged 5 to 10 years.  MILO T20 Blast – is the newer, all action, all fun game for children aged 8 -12.


With the confines of a fun and safe environment , children are introduced to basic skills and the principles of cricket - These lucky kids got to play with Michael Clarke .


Backyard cricket tips with Michael !
Truthfully, my boys didn't really know who he was before that day - but they lined up with all the other junior fans for autographs.


 


When you register - everyone receives an exciting Participant Pack exclusive to the program including a cricket bat, a ball, a T-shirt, a bucket hat, a drink bottle, and MILO products !

The bat, hat, bag and ball went everywhere with them - even to bed.


MILO in2CRICKET is a structured program [6-12wks - our local club is 8wks and started last Saturday] which aims is to provide each child with the opportunity to develop cricket skills, physical fitness, social skills, sportsmanship and understanding of the game of cricket.

Cricket Australia, together with the MILO team, is committed to supporting and encouraging the active, healthy lifestyle of Australian kids.

Boys and girls can begin playing for a team at their local cricket club at the under 10 age group.My older son played three long hot summers  years of Saturday morning cricket - he started at 8-9yrs.

I didn't mind sitting around too much, though they didn't have an ease into cricket program when he started; a hard cricket ball hurtling at your son's head is scary to watch. The cricket whites were never white for long and we could never find the Hector the 'protector' lol.


MILO in2CRICKET kids learn lots of new cricket skills like batting, bowling, catching and throwing, as well as the social skills that allow them to make new friends (or hang out with their school friends) and most importantly - HAVE FUN!! The program provides an excellent pathway for children into competitive cricket. Lots of their friends have registered too , some play Thursday afternoons at another venue.

There is even an APP for MILO in2CRICKET.
Now I might whip up a batch of Mighty Milo Muffins and a nice cold glass of Milo - how good is that !

We were invited to MILO in2cricket and were gifted participant kit bags, all opinions are my own.No financial payment was received for this post.

Did you play backyard cricket ?

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Wednesday 30 October 2013

It will be fun they said - to be 7 again - Murdoch Childrens Research Institute

 Charity Event

My twin sons turned seven in July. It really is a glorious age of wonder and enlightenment . It makes my heart sing seeing them becoming more confident in their skills at home, school, at play and just their pure joy in doing crazy things and clowning around  - except chores they hate or when they haven't finished gaming !.



Two weeks ago I was invited to Live 7 -  at the launch of a special announcement - not before some seven yr old shenanigans. Egg & spoon races, a jump on the bouncy castle and a frozen yoghurt and lolly bar.

'Seven' is reported to be the happiest age of all. Sadly, I cannot remember much of my 7th year ...I may have to try again at 47. Jumping I'm not sure my PF will handle it on the trampoline with my boys will be fun and they will be thrilled.

Ok, now the big NEWS - Vaalia will contribute a minimum of $450,000 over the three year partnership to support life saving child health research at the Murdoch Childrens {a non profit organisation}





Murdoch Childrens conducts innovative, world class research into conditions affecting children, such as allergies, diabetes ,obesity and premature birth , as well as finding answers to unsolved problems, such as cancer and genetic conditions.  Very close to my heart as my son (& I) have an inherited genetic condition.

A dedicated team of more than 1500 highly skilled researchers, has the critical mass needed to solve child health problems more rapidly.


The new director , Professor Kathryn North , was previously the Head of the Westmead Clinic that my son ,with Neurofibromatosis attended. She is highly esteemed and dedicated to children's research

It was lovely to meet Frankie ,

 the seven yr old child expert, 

The LOLLY bar was super !

The menu was everything a 7yr old would love pies with faces, sausage rolls, fish & chips and more !

DR Justin and Internationally renowned supermodel, and mother, SMcripr 024arah Murdoch who has been the Ambassador of the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute since 2000.

  Did you know?

  • Each year, eight million children are born with a serious birth defect of genetic origin.  The genetic cause remains unknown for more than half of these conditions. 


  • The number of obese children has doubled since the 1980's, with approximately a quarter of children overweight or obese before they start school.


  • The incidence of type 1 diabetes has increased by 29 per cent in the past decade, with Australian children among the most affected in the world.

  • Three thousand babies are born 10 or more weeks premature each year in Australia.  Thanks to advances in medical technology, 80 per cent now survive.

  • Food allergy affects up to 10 per cent of children, and rates are rising.

  • One in 600 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.

Additionally, Vaalia will promote the Murdoch Childrens brand on all yoghurt packs sold in Australia. So by purchasing Vaalia, you can feel good on the inside knowing that your helping to fund discoveries to help kids live happier, healthier lives. Vaalia has a unique trio of feelgood probiotic cultures too.

The recent Stepathon for  Murdoch Childrens foundation was very successful and helped raise awareness and $524,571 !

Just a reminder Gifts to Murdoch Childrens are an investment in the future health of ALL children.
They fund life saving research into child health conditions that may one day prevent a child you know getting sick.

Donations to Murdoch Childrens of $2 and over are fully tax deductible.
Facebook - MurdochChildrensResearchInstitute


Do you remember what is was like to be 7 ?





 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Tuesday 29 October 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Chocolate Overload Cake with Candy Crush


Photo was after a 17km drive into town 800m down bumpy dirt track driveaway, across the creek and cattle grid and @100km per hr  ...Chocolate Mud cake with choc mousse centre - it couldn't cope with weight haha Candy Crush!

I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Wednesday 23 October 2013

Go Mad as a Hatter in Alice in Wonderland ~ A new Champion {+ Giveaway}

Inspired by the 2010 Live-Action Film , starring the irresistible Johnny Depp, this new mobile game app invites players to explore the Wonderland or 'Underland' with a new twist.

Maybe you'll find out what the *Futterwhacken is ?


Head Down the Rabbit Hole to Defend Wonderland in Alice in Wonderland: A New Champion from Disney Interactive


Disney Interactive has announced the launch of the free-to-play mobile game Alice in Wonderland: A New Champion, a vibrant world inspired by the hit live-action film, on iOS [and soon on Android devices]. Players experience the unbelievable sights and curious mysteries of Wonderland while they fight to thwart the return of the dreaded Red Queen and her minions.
                                                                                               opps not these minions



Players tumble through the rabbit hole into this fantastical land and work with the story characters to help rebuild Wonderland and set things right.

-     Playing 1 of 2 characters LEWIS or CARROL o_O - you can re-name your character in the game - with familiar friends, Alice (not a playable character), the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the March Hare you defeat the evil Queen.



S Seat yourself at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, visit the magnificent White Queen's Castle, cozy Bayard's Village, and many more.





- Whimsical riddles and make sense of the twisty illogic that characterise the delightful and intriguingWonderland. It is better if kids can read but it is simple enough with picture and arrow clues too. A short play in and I can see why it mainly appeals to younger players.

Complete the quests for rewards -stars & silver coins and  you  LEVEL UP

We liked you could pinch in and out the interactive screen , tap the screen to move and play.


It is a cute , visually impressive game , but turn the sound off down - the music is a bit annoying for me.

Alice in Wonderland: A New Champion can be downloaded via the App Store at http://bit.ly/17HLW1K.

To coincide with the game's release I have four DVD copies of the film Alice In Wonderland to giveaway.


 To win an Alice In Wonderland DVD - tell me your favourite  AIW character and why ?
 


Terms and Conditions.
1. Only Australian Residents are eligible to enter.
2. Entries not answering the question will be deemed invalid. The winner will be chosen by originality and creative merit, not by chance. Judges decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into.
3.There will be 4 winners -

4. Entries - Open 23/10/2013 - Close 11.59pm 6/11/13 AEST. The winners will be notified by email, and posted to mylittledrummerboys.blogspot.com.au after they reply - Winners have 7 days to respond or a new winner will be drawn.
5. The Prize is not transferable, changeable or redeemable for cash.
6. Prizes sent out by PR firm directly will not be replaced in the event that they are stolen, lost or damaged or delayed in transit.
 
7. Subscribe to my blog  to receive MLDB updates.
8. Follow via Facebook or Bloglovin on the sidebar .
. 


P.S *Apparently there are in app purchases available but you don't need them to play the game through.
Fuderwhacking is the happy dance thing that the Hatter does in the Tim Burton movie Alice in Wonderland. - See more at: http://www.chacha.com/question/what-does-it-mean-to-futterwhacken-in-the-movie-alice-in-wonderland#sthash.n3OOxFB4.dpuf
Fuderwhacking is the happy dance thing that the Hatter does in the Tim Burton movie Alice in Wonderland. - See more at: http://www.chacha.com/question/what-does-it-mean-to-futterwhacken-in-the-movie-alice-in-wonderland#sthash.n3OOxFB4.dpuf

P.P.S - Did you even know what the Futterwhacken was ?

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run - I'm running my first HALF MARATHON   , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Tuesday 22 October 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Knocking them down…one pin at a time



So freaky Sam got a strike and a few minutes later his twin- Joel, in adjacent lane gets a strike on his next turn - while I was distracted. They were at a birthday party and both were first strikes of the day!


GOING PINK for a PURPOSE - help me make it to the finishing line.


A shout out to all Melbourne women [& Women everywhere because I've signed up too]  –   GO  PINK  FOR A  PURPOSE      

Thousands of women will unite in Catani Gardens St Kilda, Melbourne, on Sunday 8 December, to run or walk in the 28th Sussan Women’s Fun Run with 5km, 10km and a new Half Marathon. It will be my first HM. Personally, my biggest challenge after diagnosis.
“We are thrilled to have record entries for the 2013 event,” said David Hansen, Managing Director of event organiser SuperSprint Events. “We are delighted to once again be supporting Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) by encouraging our participants to GO PINK for a Purpose, and are delighted to have record numbers fundraising for a great cause.”

This year’s event will see participants running or walking in the 5km, 10km or newly introduced 21.1km half marathon event.
{wave to me as I crawl past}
“A Tribute Field of Pink Lady silhouettes will be another prominent addition to the 2013 Sussan Women’s Fun with participants, who are running or walking in memory of or in support for someone with breast cancer, encouraged to place a tribute message on one of the several hundred Pink Lady silhouettes.

This year they are hosting a very special post run celebration - the inaugural Sussan PINK-nic. Beautifully located in a specially dressed area, our Sussan PINK-nic provides Sussan Women’s Fun Runners an opportunity to continue to enjoy the buzz of finishing and share a yummy picnic brunch

Every day, 41 Australian women are diagnosed with breast cancer and seven will lose their lives to the disease. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Australian women, with one in 8 Australian women diagnosed before the age of 85. 

I have a personal reason to run  following my breast cancer diagnosis in June 2012. I was a healthy weight, moderately fit and training for City to Surf. It was very unexpected.

I have also chosen to run because ...

BCNA encourages women to stay active after a diagnosis of breast cancer, with evidence suggesting that lifestyle factors including moderate levels of physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer returning by 24% and reduce the risk of death by a third compared to inactive women.

After surgery to remove the cancer, 6 months  chemotherapy treatment and now almost 12 months of Herceptin treatment (specific for my type of Breast Cancer), I am doing well . I have one more small treatment to go ; that I didn't know about till last Thursday when I saw the Oncologist - my 52nd week (because 17 Herceptin x 3 weekly = 51wks).

I fully understand what BCNA’s support means to women with breast cancer and their families.

I decided to GO PINK for a purpose and support BCNA , after raising $1020 running the City to Surf in Sydney. Thank you to many generous friends and family who supported me.

The Sussan Women’s Fun Run is a true celebration of Sisterhood, encouraging good health, fitness and FUN!  What is stopping you ?

To register, go http://www.supersprint.com.au/events/sussan-women%27s-fun-run-2013.aspx

To set up your own Go Pink for a Purpose page just go to
http://sussanwomensfunrun2013.gofundraise.com.au.

To pre-­order your PINKnic box go to
http://www.supersprint.com.au/events/sussan-women%27s-fun-run-2013/pink-nic.aspx

 I'm going PINK for a Purpose in Sussan Women’s Fun Run  , raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia, if you would like to sponsor me - every $  or [$21.10] counts ;) - sponsor me here
 

Monday 21 October 2013

Lego Star Wars Mandalorian™ Speeder {Giveaway}- gets kids ImaginACTIVE

Lego Star Wars ~ Giveaway

Would you lie with me and just forget the world as we count the Star Wars ?

My boys have only really played Lego Star Wars because they love the mini-figures, micro figures & game and space ships.

I think they might have watched some of the movie twice with Mr 20. We also have watched some funny YouTube stuff with Mini figures (SEE BELOW). It goes right over their heads. 

I just loved Luke & Princess Leia.







It really got their imagination firing to build the impressive Mandalorian™ Speeder and unleash the hidden flick missiles on each other , shoot and fire at the Mini figures - I discourage shooting at each other.
 
I do encourage toys that get them away from the screen and i devices.  Not that they need much prompting , Lego is one 'toy' I will keep purchasing over all others. I love seeing the concentration on their faces, helping them create and build then picking up 211 pieces (also the magic number in this box)

Mandalorian™ Speeder $39.99
Get to the rendezvous point in the LEGO® Star Wars™ Mandalorian™ Speeder with the treacherous Sith Lord Darth Maul minifigure with weird chicken legs mechanical legs. Plot the Mandalorian takeover and take on anyone who gets in your way with hidden flick missiles, rear weapon storage and elevating cannon! Then, face off in minifigure combat with his legendary Darksaber! 
Includes 3 minifigures with weapons: Clone Wars Darth Maul and 2 Mandalorian Super Commandos. They loved the hidden flick missiles under the hood, rear weapon storage and elevating gun.
 

• Weapons (very important when you are 7+) include a Lightsaber, Darksaber and 2 blasters.

I was going to video my boys fighting building and playing with Mandalorian™ Speeder and as I googled for ideas ...this happened !
 




Check out awesome Evan - he has done my job 100% better. 

Yes, some people have way too much time on their hands - still it is too funny...




Right now the theme music is playing on loooop in my head now.

Top 10 Ways Legos Are Educational for Your Child: Learning with LEGO
You can check it out here: http://brickdave.com/how-to-learn-with-lego



Wednesday 16 October 2013

Girl Rising ~ Making Dreams Possible

Here I am , living a comfortable and privileged life, with sons who have all the 'things' they need and want { except for their PS3 controllers-but that's another story }.

I am grateful for the education they receive along with girls in their school. I received my 'free' education in public schooling and at university too. I found what I wanted to do - Nursing and my dream came to fruition. 

Thankfully, laws in developed countries ensure every girl has an equal opportunity to reach her full potential . This basic human right should be available to all girls , no matter what race or culture, the right to dream big and be educated.



I had dreams for my daughter, sadly born still 9yrs ago , and I wonder what would have been ?

I am passionate about relief, development and advocacy dedicated to working with children born into unforgiving circumstances; as well as their families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

Right now , there is a call to action for us to listen to the dreams of girls around the world.
The Girl Rising movement is what needs to happen to make them a reality. 66 million girls are currently out of school...early marriage, extreme poverty, child slavery and other injustices.

Girl Rising is a global action campaign for girls' education.Centered by the new feature film, Girl Rising, Girl Rising uses the power of storytelling and the leverage of strategic partnerships to deliver a simple, critical truth: Educate Girls and you will Change the World.  Nine girls tell their story; 9 extraordinary girls from 9 countries
 
I missed seeing the Sydney screening of GirlRising [overview], as we had to return home Thursday night.
The evidence is overwhelming - educating girls dramatically improves the well-being of their families.
For over 26yrs we've have the privilege of being World Vision child sponsors, we currently sponsor 2 children , a 10yr old boy, Rahul {from India who shares the same birthday as my Daughter} and a little girl. When Rahul grows up he wants to be a Doctor.

Photo provided by 10x10 Educate Girls, Change the World, © 2011
Another of our previously sponsored children , a girl , Divya, also from India, had dreams of becoming a Dr too. Education will make her dream possible. I think about her often (She is no longer a sponsored child) and wonder ...

Facebook
Girl Rising Website

Twitter - GirlRising  #girlrising

 What did you dream or want to do when you were growing up ?


Tuesday 15 October 2013

Wordless Wednesday ~ Climb a Tree



"If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up! Not me!" ~ Peter Pan



The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit. ~Nelson Henderson .


 

Monday 14 October 2013

Survivors - Life Defining Moments


Our lives will be full of defining moments, but those moments don't have to define us. Author unknown

My lovely Nurse took it on my iPad not the best quality.

I am not sure if today is a defining moment or not .

I dropped my boys at school and in the few minutes it took to drive to the Cancer Care Centre this song played.



The station was tuned to my husband's choice , in a vehicle I didn't expect to drive today. I didn't bother changing the station.

I heard these lyrics , for the first time . It kind of made my heart sing, as I joined in.


Thank you Matthew West for " Survivors "

Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa
Whoa, whoa, whoa, oh

You've been dropped like a dream to the floor
You've been told not to try anymore
But you're wakened from yesterday's war
'Cause you're a survivor

And your strength has been stolen away
And your faith has been worn to a fray
But you live to live on one more day
'Cause you're a survivor

And nothing can stop you now
Nothing can back you down
You never give up, you never give in
You're a survivor, whoa, whoa, whoa, oh

For the phone call that tore you apart
For the fear that gripped your heart
For the moment you saw who you are
And what you're made of

For the cancer that stole all your hair
For the smile like you just don't care
For your hope in midnight prayer
You're a survivor, yeah, yeah, yeah

And nothing can stop you now
Nothing can back you down
You never give up, you never give in
You're a survivor, whoa, whoa, whoa, oh

I'm convinced neither death nor life
Neither demons nor angels of light
Shadows present a future bright
Can separate us

From the love that will lead us on
To the hope when all hope is gone
'Til the day heaven calls us home
We are survivors

And nothing can stop us now
Nothing can back us down
We never give up, we never give in

And nothing can stop us now
Nothing can back us down
We never give up, we never give in
'Cause we are survivors

We are, we are, we are, yeah
Oh, we are survivors
Whoa, we are survivors

Whoa, whoa, whoa, oh

Oh boy . Just what I needed to hear. I am so grateful to be here.Though, lucky you couldn't hear me singing.

Sadly, I flicked on Facebook as I waited to be called for my last Herceptin, an IV treatment I've been having for a year {every 3 weeks}. The beautiful SJ whose video I posted Friday , passed away yesterday. She was on Today - tonight 2-3 wks ago, speaking about her race against time to be married to her sweetheart. She also leaves behind a little boy, one year old.

Again , though I only knew SJ through our online FB group. I am deeply saddened. Life is so unfair. SJ lost her sister to Breast cancer 3 yrs ago.

A stark reminder too , that every day is a gift, not GIVEN.

God creates defining moments in our lives so that we can see ourselves first and then discover just how much we really, really need Him.
Unknown Author


Please remember to check your Boobies .
Make your mark today.
Have you had a life defining moment ?





Friday 11 October 2013

SKI's pink makeover to support McGrath Foundation {GIVEAWAY - pay it forward}

Last night we arrived home from 2 days in Sydney, at 12.30am.As I relaxed with a cup of tea, to wind down before bed, I flicked on Facebook, as you do.

With a heavy heart I read messages of tribute to a young Pink Sister, with advanced [secondary] breast cancer, who passed away yesterday. It was only 2 weeks that she told us Dr's were stopping her chemo.

It took me a long time to go to sleep. The fear of cancer returning is a constant (and at times exhausting!) motivation to do all I can to prevent recurrence. I am just so sad for this lady and her family, though I only knew her by name.She was a supportive member of our Facebook group.


Though we live with the fear of metastases or new cancers , worrying never achieves anything. I commit my fears to God and begin each day with hope, knowing support is always close.

Breast care nurses are specially trained registered nurses who act as patient advocates, coordinating care for women experiencing breast cancer, their families and their carers. They provide accurate information, support and referral to services.
It costs approximately $350,000 to employ each full-time McGrath Breast Care Nurse over a minimum three year period.


As part of a three year commitment to the McGrath Foundation, SKI has pledged to donate $350,000 to fund a McGrath Breast Care Nurse in the local community.

Kylea Tink, CEO of the McGrath Foundation said that SKI’s commitment to the foundation will provide invaluable assistance to people in rural and regional Australia.
Three varieties of SKI yoghurt were given a pink makeover in support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each of the SKI ranges, in 1kg tubs, are available in Coles, Woolworths and IGA with a RRP of $5.69.

It is so simple for us to support such a worthy cause during Breast Cancer Awareness Month because SKI have a yoghurt to suit every taste.




I know our local rural McGrath Breast Care Nurse well, she provides incredible support with another lovely government funded Breast Care nurse for women at all stages of treatment.



To celebrate SKI's donation, and raise awareness of a great cause - I was asked to post about SKI's commitment They offered me the chance to pay it forward. As most of my local breast cancer friends have finished treatment I decided on my mum. Mum has been very supportive during my treatment. {I have one more intravenuous treatment to go on Monday.}


To continue the pay it forward momentum, SKI have offered a giveaway prize for one of my readers to pay forward to someone they know going through cancer or having a rough time and in need. It  includes an Endota Spa voucher ($65) and the opportunity to provide breakfast for a friend ($30 Woolworth's Giftcard) .

To give your friend in need a hand, so they can have a good day, we will invite you to drop off breakfast (related to that fact that mornings are often a stressful time made harder when your friend may not be feeling the best). 

Leave a comment telling me who you would like to Pay it forward to 

Australian Entries Only.
Closes 18th October 12pm Midday. 

I also wanted to share this story .

{edited to add SJ was married Wednesday in the hospice and passed away 5 days later}




For more information about the McGrath Foundation - www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au
I can only eat so much yoghurt.